with the mother-in-law...
Leaving Wollongong for the couple of hours drive up to the Blue Mountains (part of the Great Dividing Range), nothing too spectacular, but pleased to arrive in the town of Katoomba for one nights stay at the YHA.
Again, as with most places, we're pushed for time so waste none and Chris and mum head off to Echo Point to see the 3 Sisters (rock formation) at dusk, Paul curling up with the newspaper at the hostel.
Christine's Birthday today (31st October) - aged XX, looks 23. Any guesses, anyone???
After opening a mass of presents and cards (!), we kick off the day with a walk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, to Echo Point, then down the Great Causeway. Stats - 900+ steps originally constructed from 1909, taking until 1932 - stopped in 1915 ;cos of the war effort/lack of funds. Amazing views as we make our way down the steps, looking out to the valley.
Walked along the lower track to Furber Steps and began to climb (1040 steps!) back up to the top. Round of applause for Mrs N for making it back to the top - that new hip working just fine!
A short stop in the town for lunch before getting back on the road to Sydney, stopping in at Wentowrth Falls on the way, just a short drive out of the main Blue Mountains area. The Falls not too big at this time, but the views from the lookouts simply awesome.
Not great timing with our arrival into Sydney coinciding with rushhour, but we manage to find our way to Glebe, and the Wattle Guest House, with relative ease.
The GH is a lovely little place (max 26 folks) conveniently placed for (walking) access to the city, and run by the friendly owners, Veronica and Steve. Whilst probably not the cheapest accomodation around, it was a snippet of home life for us and we were all happy to be here to enjoy the comforts.
That evening, walked into the city, as far as Darling Harbour and celebrated Christine's birthday with a tasty Thai meal, and a couple of bottles of beer. Nice to be back in Sydney!
We spent about a week in Sydney altogether, doing the usual suspects - Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, around the Opera House/Circular Quay, Botanical Gardens, as well as around the city.
Mum only with us for a couple of days before she heads up Port Macquarie way to see some friends, so waved goodbye for another 8 months, though we'll be in New Zealand at time and maybe our paths will cross.
Highlights for us were standing (cheapskates) tickets for Pirates of Penzance at the Opera House. Great show, though would have really liked to have seen an orchestral performance here. PoP is a 'little' cheesy (I think that's the main ingredient for a Gilbert and Sullivan piece) but amusing and well done.
Also, we were very lucky to enjoy a meal at the Guillaume at Bennelong Restaurant at the Opera House, courtesy of my generous friends at Ladbrokes (www.ladbrokes.com). We were a little worried that bookings would need to be made well in advance, but we were thankfully squeezed in - our next worry being the standard of our couture. Again, thankfully, these scumbags managed to sort themselves some smart/casual. Probably a bit more on the casual end.
Having lived on cheap and cheerful pasta-based dishes over the last few months, our tastebuds were about to be given a real treat. The food was simply amazing, and we were expertly guided by our Sommelier (look it up!) for a perfect Reisling.
Just enough space to round off with a dessert, with its own accompanying dessert wine, as chosen by Guillaume Brahimi himself.
Walk-wise, the track from Coogee to Bondi (including the Sculptures by the Sea) was great, though Paul ducked out halfway through and made his way on foot back through Paddington (where he stayed back in 1999), and across town to Glebe.
Disappointingly the weather tailed off over our last few days in Sydney, so our plans to spend some time up in Manly were called off, though we did take a drive up on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and then on to Collaroy in the hope of dropping in on our friends John and Angie who we met a few weeks ago in Cambodia. John was home and hopefully not too troubled that we interrupted his chores, though unfortunately Angie was at work. Guys, your house is amazing!
Our penultimate day in Sydney was 7th November, Melbourne Cup Day. The Aussies (across the country) really go for it as a big day (it's a National Holiday in Melbourne), and we enjoyed our Guinness whilst watching the big race. No winners for us today, just glad that the sun came out for a bit.
Sorry to be moving on, would have enjoyed a bit more time on the East Coast, especially for us to do Fraser Island and the Whitsundays together (we've done them before but not together).
So, all packed up again for the next leg and we make our way to the airport bright and early on 8th November. Dropping the car off a bit of a hassle - thanks Budget for trying to overcharge us, and surprising us with an additional 25% 'tax' when we settled up. Can't wait to use you again!
New Zealand, here we come...
22 °C
